Strengthening the application of digitalisation governance: three recommendations

Reflection on digitalisation

Research and innovation influence the digital transformation, and the values and priorities adopted in research and innovation are therefore also guiding. The Netherlands has a long tradition of research programmes on the values that shape digitalisation, including the establishment of ELSA Labs, Platform PRIO and ALGOSOC. To determine which values and priorities research, development and innovation focused on digitalisation have in the Netherlands, TNO Vector conducted a quick scan of the current landscape of instruments for digitalisation governance.

In the KIA Digitalisation, Digital Holland (formerly Topsector ICT) categorises research and innovation in the field of digitalisation governance as ‘reflection on’ digitalisation. ‘Reflection on’ is an umbrella term for the interaction between the interests of various actors in the ‘quadruple helix’ of government, business, research and society. These interests and values promote certain priorities regarding the development, use and regulation – or governance – of the digital transformation.

Governance therefore determines and steers the direction of the digital transformation. This is reflected, among other things, in legal frameworks, policy and research and innovation programmes. Examples of governance instruments aimed at digital transformation include legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the AI Regulation. Examples of policy are the Values-driven Digitalisation Work Agenda and Digital Open Strategic Autonomy (DOSA), and research and innovation programmes such as the AI Coalition for the Netherlands (AIC4NL) and Digital Holland.

Four pillars of values for the digital transformation

Governance instruments are therefore aimed at various societal values and interests associated with the digital transformation. At least four pillars of values for reflection on digitalisation can be distinguished:

1. Value-driven: Technology must serve the public interest and reflect societal values anchored in law and culture. Key values are fairness, transparency and accountability in the design and use of digital technology to ensure that innovation promotes social welfare.
2. Sovereignty and autonomy: Countries want control over their digital infrastructure to safeguard national security, protect citizens’ data and maintain economic independence. Digital sovereignty affects decision-making across the entire technology stack, from regulation to implementation.
3. Competitiveness: Strong digitalisation can stimulate economic growth. This requires fair market regulation alongside investments in digital skills, infrastructure and innovation, enabling regions to attract talent, stimulate entrepreneurship and remain globally competitive.
4. Sustainability: As digital technologies are increasingly used, their environmental impact increases. Responsible digitalisation must therefore minimise the ecological footprint through energy-efficient infrastructure and responsible e-waste management, to minimize the environmental impact of the digital transformation.

Research into the four pillars

Our quick scan shows that reflection on digitalisation is not only increasingly part of the societal debate, but is also widely researched. Awareness that governance of digitalisation is important in policy, research and innovation to guide the digital transformation has grown significantly. For example, conducting impact assessments, such as a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA), has become common practice, and it is necessary to apply ‘reflection on’ in research funded by NWO.

What is striking, however, is that this particularly applies to research and innovation in the field of AI, and much less in other digital domains such as cybersecurity. It is also notable that the application of governance instruments has increased, but still takes place in a fragmented manner. As a result, there is hardly any systematic application and evaluation of the methodologies and instruments used.

Finally, the term ‘reflection on’ suggests something non-committal or contemplative, rather than being a structural part of all phases of development and application of digital technology. Consequently, reflection on digital technology often focuses on one or a few impact aspects, usually ethical considerations, without a robust methodology. A broader focus on strategic priorities – such as digital sovereignty, sustainability, economic growth and technological innovation – is often lacking.

When ‘reflection on’ is more firmly embedded in research and innovation into digital transformation, it becomes possible to better steer the impact of digital transformation and prevent harmful effects.